Hopefully the first of many explores over here, not as good as i was expecting but still a nice little wander. Did this before moving on to Milner's Tower which was pretty dull tbh but if any of the pics from that turn out alright will get a report of that up as well.
Couldn't find much history on the place and the locals round Port Erin aren't too friendly so not asking them. Found this from a local paper, some guy kicking off about it being an eyesore, which is a bit of a joke since you can hardly even seee the place unless you know it's there.
"THE former swimming baths at Traie Meanagh in Port Erin is a 'significant blemish' and should be camouflaged to make it less of an eyesore, local resident Charles Faragher has said.
Mr Faragher wrote to Port Erin Commissioners in view of the refurbishment of Bradda Glen cafe (which is being transferred from the local authority to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry).
'As we all know, the views from Bradda Glen constitute a big part of its unique appeal, however, the beautiful panorama has one very significant blemish,' wrote Mr Faragher.
'In full view of the glen is the eyesore of the derelict and abandoned swimming baths, which must have drawn tens of thousands of detrimental comments over the years.'
He added: 'Commercial viability has eluded all who have ventured there. However, the legacy of monies invested over the years is a concrete structure whose great ugliness is matched only by its great robustness which makes it capable of defying the elements for many generations to come.'
He said: 'If it cannot be removed, it should at least be disguised.'
He asked the local authority to ask for specialist advice on a painting scheme.
The local authority has battled since 1990 to get action taken to tidy up the site. The former swimming pool, owned by the commissioners, was leased to Clearwater International Aquaculture, who ran it as a fish farm and then bought it. It then sold it to Chattens Ltd, owned by Steve Bradshaw. At one stage, Mr Bradshaw had plans to create an extreme sports centre at the site.
The local authority's prompting has resulted in the Department of Local Government and the Environment's environmental health unit to make several trips to the site — the latest was in 2008. Some work was done to tidy it up.
At last week's commissioners' meeting, Jean-Pierre Depin said it was not the commissioners' property and they should pass the letter on to owner Mr Bradshaw.
But Phil Crellin said they should ask environmental health officers to look at it again.
Clerk Mike Kewley explained a notice was served nine years ago on Mr Bradshaw, he appealed and won his case and the local authority has been 'stymied ever since'.
'It has gone down hill,' said Mr Crellin. 'It does look awful. It would be lovely to think we could have an outdoor use swimming pool, but those days are gone, it's about time we grasped the nettle. It's an eyesore, it's a millstone round his neck and Port Erin's.'
Mr Crellin proposed the commissioners write to environmental health and reply informing Mr Faragher of their action. He was seconded by Anne Kelly.
Speaking to the Examiner following the meeting, Mr Bradshaw said a project to breathe new life into the former swimming pool is on the drawing board.
'There is a strategic review by somebody going on at the moment,' he said. 'There is some activity. A firm is looking at something regarding the site.
'It has got to be commercial. We are looking to work with a very reputable environmental agency from Finland.'"
Didn't really fancy a dip
Couldn't find much history on the place and the locals round Port Erin aren't too friendly so not asking them. Found this from a local paper, some guy kicking off about it being an eyesore, which is a bit of a joke since you can hardly even seee the place unless you know it's there.
"THE former swimming baths at Traie Meanagh in Port Erin is a 'significant blemish' and should be camouflaged to make it less of an eyesore, local resident Charles Faragher has said.
Mr Faragher wrote to Port Erin Commissioners in view of the refurbishment of Bradda Glen cafe (which is being transferred from the local authority to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry).
'As we all know, the views from Bradda Glen constitute a big part of its unique appeal, however, the beautiful panorama has one very significant blemish,' wrote Mr Faragher.
'In full view of the glen is the eyesore of the derelict and abandoned swimming baths, which must have drawn tens of thousands of detrimental comments over the years.'
He added: 'Commercial viability has eluded all who have ventured there. However, the legacy of monies invested over the years is a concrete structure whose great ugliness is matched only by its great robustness which makes it capable of defying the elements for many generations to come.'
He said: 'If it cannot be removed, it should at least be disguised.'
He asked the local authority to ask for specialist advice on a painting scheme.
The local authority has battled since 1990 to get action taken to tidy up the site. The former swimming pool, owned by the commissioners, was leased to Clearwater International Aquaculture, who ran it as a fish farm and then bought it. It then sold it to Chattens Ltd, owned by Steve Bradshaw. At one stage, Mr Bradshaw had plans to create an extreme sports centre at the site.
The local authority's prompting has resulted in the Department of Local Government and the Environment's environmental health unit to make several trips to the site — the latest was in 2008. Some work was done to tidy it up.
At last week's commissioners' meeting, Jean-Pierre Depin said it was not the commissioners' property and they should pass the letter on to owner Mr Bradshaw.
But Phil Crellin said they should ask environmental health officers to look at it again.
Clerk Mike Kewley explained a notice was served nine years ago on Mr Bradshaw, he appealed and won his case and the local authority has been 'stymied ever since'.
'It has gone down hill,' said Mr Crellin. 'It does look awful. It would be lovely to think we could have an outdoor use swimming pool, but those days are gone, it's about time we grasped the nettle. It's an eyesore, it's a millstone round his neck and Port Erin's.'
Mr Crellin proposed the commissioners write to environmental health and reply informing Mr Faragher of their action. He was seconded by Anne Kelly.
Speaking to the Examiner following the meeting, Mr Bradshaw said a project to breathe new life into the former swimming pool is on the drawing board.
'There is a strategic review by somebody going on at the moment,' he said. 'There is some activity. A firm is looking at something regarding the site.
'It has got to be commercial. We are looking to work with a very reputable environmental agency from Finland.'"
Didn't really fancy a dip
